Chandler writes that he is putting all his money into a new mine. He describes Eureka and its resources. He expects to go to the World’s Fair in 1876. Chandler writes that he favors Greeley over Grant. Chandler extols the virtues of California...

This letter was written on Chandler’s arrival in San Francisco by boat. Chandler recounted the circumstances of his journey, the food, and the differences between cabin fare and steerage fare, and the “very bad” circumstances of deck passengers....

Chandler gives Jane an update on his Washoe mining stock and plans to return to Virginia City within a week. He mentions that "[he] holds some of the richest claims there and they are raising in value." He hopes that Jane will write her feelings on...

Chandler writes that he is happy to hear that they have another daughter born to them, and proposes to call her Mary Jane. He writes about a woman named Mrs. Hanabal, who is from Hartland, who may have gotten pregnant without her husband. He asks...

Chandler writes on the bonanzas of the Virginia City vicinity, and the large crowds of people. “Every house, stable, and tent is full every night and many sleep in tunnels or holes in the ground.” He has been keeping books for some companies while...

Chandler addresses his friends regarding his stay in California as a gold prospector. He writes, "I am bound to stick a while longer." He also wonders why someone named John "would be content to settle in Hartland." He guesses that "there must be...

Chandler writes of his sorrow upon receiving word that his daughter May has died. He writes that he visited a spiritualist in San Francisco in July and was told of the death of a blood relation, but he “did not know that it was our Dear Child May.”...

Chandler writes that his “interests have suffered some for want of attention” and that some of his claims were “Jumped.” He still has valuable claims, and has had offers to sell. He writes that “the Southern feeling or Secession people are about...

Chandler gives an update of his mining investments and property holdings. He lists many common acquaintances, mostly from Medford, whom he has seen. He writes Jane to “Tell father to be a peace Democrat, if they do call him Copperhead, I am with...

Chandler addresses concerns that he has been unfaithful to Jane, and asserts his innocence. He has had some “sickness and bruises by a fall from a building which hurt [him] very bad.” He writes of his living circumstances for the past several...

Chandler writes that he has “cleared six thousand dollars on the rise of stocks within the last month, mostly in the Lady Bryan.” He doesn’t “feel like going to Mass or any other Black Republican state while the war is going on.” He encourages Jane...

Chandler gives an update of his anticipated stock values, writing that he manages them via the Territorial Enterprise. He describes the drought conditions of California and Nevada. Chandler reassures Jane of his intentions and plans to come...

Chandler writes that he is thinking of settling down soon, countering Jane’s assertion that Chandler will not come home. He writes on the reaction to Lincoln’s assassination.
Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read:
“Assassination of...

Chandler writes of the hard winter due to cold, but that he has “a very warm stone cabin, a good stove, and plenty wood for the present.” Chandler writes that “the richest diggings ever discovered are here,” and he almost had an interest in a...

Chandler writes that “Sacramento and all the valley has been all under water” and that “Horses, Cattle, and Houses have been carried away.” He writes that there is much excitement over some discoveries above Oregon called the Caraboo [Caribou]...

Chandler writes that “it has been very hard times here in Mineing [sic] operations this year.” Chandler laments separation from his wife and regards his condition as if “everyone’s curse is on me.” He mentions that the editor of the Territorial...

Chandler discourages Jane from working in the mills. He compares factory girls to servants and then describes California women, writing that "you would think to see them that they were mostly queens." He writes of the variety of females from...

Chandler writes that he has become “tired of living in this country in this way” and he is “tired of a bachelor’s life.” He prefers a common name for the baby and gives consent to name the baby as Jane chooses.
Notations in pencil on the first page...

Chandler writes that he caught the ague fever in Acapulco, but is now “safe and sound although [he] had a very long passage over 26 days.” A man named Mr. Payne has been quite sick since arriving in California. Chandler finds “trade in Washoe stock...

Chandler writes that he is satisfied with present prospects and has purchased some house lots in San Francisco. Chandler explains his business interests and the wealth that surrounds him. “I was one of the first six to come here in /59, we used...